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An interview with Suzan Abong Wilmot, Harrisburg resident, jewelry-maker, nonviolence trainer, and mother. Having lived her entire life in Uganda, Suzan relocated to the city of Harrisburg in 2012 to be with her Pennsylvanian husband and experience his world. We spoke with her to gather her reflections on the life of an East African woman in central Pennsylvania. What was the most difficult thing about leaving your home country, Uganda? The immigration process was hard and stressful. It was very expensive for me and my husband. In order to come to the US, I had to first go to Kenya (where I had never been) for what became a month. The US embassy wouldn’t let me go back to Uganda to wait for my visa to be processed. I had to do odd jobs and sleep on restaurant floors to survive until my visa came through. It didn’t help that theft and robbery in Nairobi are common, so people are skeptical of everyone. Otherwise, the main things I miss about Uganda are food, family, and the moderate climate. Have you connected with other Ugandans in Harrisburg? I have connected with other Ugandans in Harrisburg. We share some of the same values and morals. I love to be with people who come from the same culture or similar cultures because we share the same view of life. Being with them makes me feel like there is some part of Uganda in me that isn’t lost yet. I don’t want to forget where I come from or the languages I speak. What is your favorite experience as an artisan in central Pennsylvania? I love leading jewelry-making workshops and teaching people about this kind of art. In Uganda, my craft is considered normal and uninteresting, but people here are so interested in it. It encourages me to appreciate my own work. You have a nine-month-old girl. How is caring for a newborn child in Harrisburg different from nurturing that child in Uganda? In Uganda, I wouldn’t have to monitor the food my baby eats, but here the foods are very processed and filled with chemicals. I also choose to raise my baby in a certain way despite cultural pressures. I expose her to others and take her out with me. Parenting shouldn’t be a private affair. The child belongs to the community. I also don’t want my child to be spoiled or demanding, which is a serious problem here. You are internationally trained as a nonviolent action teacher and facilitator. What does that mean? How does that benefit your community in the US and your community in Uganda? The US is a violent place, beginning with the government which takes most of the peoples’ taxes for military purposes. People who attend nonviolence trainings are able to equip others with skills to confront injustice and oppression. Some people aren’t willing to do the trainings because it takes time and energy. In Uganda, we started a nonprofit called Solidarity Uganda to facilitate nonviolence trainings. These trainings teach communities that guns, spears, and arrows aren’t effective for achieving their goals, but there are other ways to solve their issues using nonviolent tactics. We work mostly on mass land conflicts where local peasants are threatened by big companies and government forces that have an interest in thieving the land. Do you have any reflections on the immigration process? I hate thinking about the process because it takes me back to the dark past. I don’t think anyone should have to go through it. The people in charge of the process should be clear with those undergoing the process about the steps they need to take rather than charging huge fees and necessitating lawyer expenses. What advice do you have for other East African immigrants coming to the US? Know what to expect. Talk to others about the immigration process and about life in the US. Don’t come unless you have a great reason. In your view, what’s the funniest thing that Americans try to do? Seeing adults wearing Halloween costumes. Do you find any American behaviors odd? The strangest thing they do is “start communities” and intentionally make time to “hang out and catch up.” These are natural things in Uganda. People don’t try to do them in an organized way. It just happens. So how do you react to Harrisburg residents’ view of time? Time here is valued too much. It has become a hindrance to peoples’ personal growth and the society they live in. Time has been made synonymous with money. Unless the time people use is self-beneficial, people don’t want to “waste it.” Have you found any new hobbies or interests since you came to Harrisburg? I like going to the cinema. There are not many movie theaters in Uganda. I love Christmas shopping and getting gifts for others. I also like going to parks and taking walks. Pennsylvania is hilly with nice views and forests. What is your favorite thing about being in Harrisburg and your favorite thing about being in your country? People and people. You can learn more about Suzan’s organization at www.solidarityuganda.com. You can browse and shop for her handmade jewelry and other Ugandan crafts at www.facebook.com/ugandanjewelry.
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Activism is the New Black: The Journey of a Neo-Soul Activist By: Christina Wood M.S. Ed.
certainty of direction among my peers who are just as gifted and talented as anyone else, but are not living up to their full potential. My generation is currently the parents who are raising the “next generation”. We are the “NOW generation” and I believe that if we want our babies to have a real shot in life, it’s imperative that we live in purpose.
My freshmen year in college, at Harrisburg Area Community College, I witnessed one of the most beautiful acts of kindness. Our theatre program used to sponsor a Goodwill Holiday Party where we would collect gifts, solicit the support of food sponsors, and put on a free production of A Christmas Carol for families in local shelters. There was a woman that attended that year who had two small children and spoke very little English. We noticed that she was wearing house slippers. When we asked her where her shoes were, as it was nearly 50 degrees outside, she explained that she had left her abusive husband with only her children and the clothes on her back. I remember my theatre professor, Brenda Eppley, going into our costume closet and bringing back a pair of shoes for the woman to take home. This woman was moved to tears. I was moved to tears….and action.
So in my work, I am targeting those who are in their 20s and 30s, to encourage them to pursue that degree, finish their education, seek out wisdom from those who have walked the path before them through mentoring, stop getting in our own way and not only invest in others, but choose to invest in ourselves first. And let me be clear. My work doesn’t only seek to inspire the seemingly downtrodden, but also the “suit and Witnessing this small act of kindness sparked a fire in tie” professionals who may have lost their spark in the midst of corporate advancement. This is what inspired me to start me because it showed me that small acts can make a huge 20/30 Enterprises. It’s a not-for-profit organization that proimpact. It also taught me that if we are willing to share what vides active, engaging, and relevant programming to this genwe have, no matter how insignificant we think it may be, it eration of movers, shakers, and builders. My vision is to build truly can be enough. From that moment I knew that regarda unified community of neo-soul activists who will think, act, less of what degree I earned or career path I chose, the foun- and lead from their souls and be empowered to realize and actualize their abilities and talents. The intent is for them to dation of my life would always be active service to my comchannel their energy into work that will not only be fulfilling munity. for them, but be beneficial to their communities. Since I graduated from HACC in 2002, I have lived We all have a voice and a vision. We all have somethroughout the central and southeastern Pennsylvania rething to offer. No thought is insignificant. For out of our gions completing my education and have now come full circle thoughts are born movements that have impacted and back to HACC as an admissions recruiter. I don’t believe that shaped our world. And we have a responsibility to use the gift was by accident. God calls us to a place (literally or figurative- that God has so freely given us, to uplift others. We were nevly) so that we can operate in His purpose. At the age of 30, I’m er called to a life of mere existence. We were destined for blessed to say that I understand this “place” now. I’ve been greatness. My prayer is that as we make our plans for 2014, able to combine my passions for education, teaching, and we will do more than make empty resolutions. I’m going to service, to bring information to my community about oppor- challenge us to make plans. There is power in a plan because tunities right in their own backyard that will help them to ad- it goes beyond just declaring a destination that we hope to vance both socially and economically. I’ve finally found my reach some day. It actually puts in place the road map to get “sweet spot”. there and makes attainment possible. So what is one thing Over the past decade, I’ve supported dozens of caus- that you will do today to bring you one step closer to making es, organizing and participating in various initiatives that have your dreams a reality? impacted women and youth in my community. Every day I’m Connect with Christina inspired by the potential of movement and change and how I can stretch myself to use what’s already inside of me to help Twitter: @ChristinaW82 others. I’ve been able to do this through my writing, my theaBlog: www.twentythirtyenterprises.com tre work, workshops, seminars, public speaking, and more. But as I look at the young people in my community, I’m, at Facebook: 20/30 Enterprises times, saddened by the lack of excitement and drive; the un-
WE SALUTE WOMEN OF COLOR
Dr. Rita Smith Wade-
Ruby Dee
El Professor at Millersville University
Actress and Civil Rights Activist
Sonia Sanchez Poet, and Civil Rights Activist
Winnie Mandela South African Human Rights Activist
WWW.LIFEESTEEM.ORG Watch the Life Esteem Television Show, hosted by Nate and Pat Gadsden, any time you want to by clicking on www.lifeesteemtv.com. The Life Esteem Show airs every Sunday morning on WHP-TV 21 at 6:00 a.m.
The Celebrating Families! TM curriculum is an evidence based cognitive behavioral, support group model written for families in which one or both parents have a serious problem with alcohol or other drugs and in which there is a high risk for domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect. Celebrating Families! TM works with every member of the family, from ages 3 through adult, to strengthen recovery from alcohol and/or other drugs, break the cycle of addiction and increase successful family reunification. Celebrating Families! TM fosters the development of safe, healthy, fulfilled, and addiction-free individuals and families by increasing resiliency factors and decreasing risk factors while incorporating addiction recovery concepts with healthy family living skills. Each session begins with a family meal. Afterwards family members break into age groups for developmentally appropriate activities led by the group facilitators. At the end of each session, all family members reconnect in activities to learn how to apply these new skills and interact in healthy ways. The model is developed for children of alcoholics/addicts COAs and their parents, many of whom have learning differences or cognitive deficits. Celebrating Families! TM is based on recent research about brain chemistry, including skills, education, risk and resiliency factors, and asses development. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of community service and individual spirituality. Celebrating Families! TM :
Explores the four aspects of healthy living: physical, psychological social and spiritual. Incorporates healthy family living skills. Integrates parenting skills with strategies to break the cycle of addiction. Utilizes materials developed for COAs with the teaching and reinforcing of life skills. Uses interactive teaching methodologies recommended by research on how the brain learns, especially brains impacted in utero by alcohol and other drug use.
Session Topics
Healthy Living Nutrition Communication Feelings and Defenses Anger Management Facts about Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Chemical Dependency is a Disease
Chemical Dependency Affects the Whole Family Goal Setting Making Healthy Choices Healthy Boundaries Healthy Friendships and Relationships How We Learn Our Uniqueness
Embrace life at any Age Is Fifty the new 30? Melanie Gaskins
My passion is creativity. I’ve been blessed with plenty of it. It intoxicates my mind, body and soul. I’m sure if creativity had a smell, I would strongly reek of it. However, I absolutely love that it consumes me. I have found ways to channel it through art, cooking, writing and organizing events and parties. Over the years I have planned and coordinated Baby Showers, Birthday parties, Corporate Events such as parades, picnics & plays, Dinner & Holiday parties, hosted “Girls Night Out” gatherings to review Tyler Perry movies, my own 20th Wedding Anniversary and Family Reunions. What drives me to be creative? Simply put the blessing I receive. It truly warms my heart to see some one else being happy, laughing and enjoying their self because they participated in an affair I crafted and designed. My talent has been tested on many occasions. For my daughter Ashley’s 15th Birthday she had a “Favorite Female Singing Artist” party; son, Brad for his 13th Birthday a Yu-Gi-Oh Card Championship; son, Evan, for his 5th grade class designed a Positive Change Campaign to showcase his class mates talents, reviewed Black History and discussed my artwork “A Man of Change” and how it was signed by President Obama. We presented our Campaign at his elementary schools assembly for the entire student body. Three years ago emy father turned 90 years old. I had to do something extraordinary and decided to have Roaring 1920’s Party. It was fabulous. On October 7, 2013 I hit a mile mark in life and turned fifty. Everyone who has turned or about to turn fifty has their own way in which to celebrate or quietly let the day go by. Of course, it is your prerogative how you choose to cope with this age. Some become depressed because they may not have attained their goals they set for themselves. Well, I decided to embrace my fifties. Why not be positive and treat this age as an opportunity to hit the reset button. Therefore, I chose to celebrate and have my own 50th Birthday Masquerade Ball, October 12, 2013 with family and friends. My party theme was based on the movie “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Therefore, to get into my theme character I titled myself as “Countess.”
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AGENDA Classes: Strengthening Families Focus: Parents with children ages 6 through 11 years. Class Description: The Strengthening Families program is designed to: 1. Decrease alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and discourage intentions to use. 2. Decrease emotional, behavioral and social problems in school. 3. Improve communication and academic skills. 4. Improve parenting skills and the family environment. 5. Increase children's ability to cope. 6. Provide information to parents about alternative ways to increase positive interactions with their children. Program begins with family dinner, then 11/2 hour of separate sessions for kids & adults. Child care is provided for younger children. Agenda Ages 6-11 1. Introduction and Group Building 2. What Kids Can Do & How to Manage Stress 3. Rewards 4. Goals and Objectives 5. Notice and Ignoring 6. Communication 1: Better Relationships 7. Communication II; Family Meetings 8. Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs and Families 9. Problem Solving and Giving Directions 10.
Setting Limits I: Behavior You Can’t Ignore
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Setting Limits II: Practice Setting Limits
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Setting Limits III: Solving Behavior Programs
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Building and Using Behavior Programs
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Getting and Keeping More Good Behavior/Graduation